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How to Save Money: Daily, Monthly and Long Term

We can help you get where you want to go, regardless of what you’re saving for or where you’re starting.

Knowing where to find savings and how to divide your income can stretch your dollars further.

Imagine what would happen if you found extra money in your monthly budget. Could you finally afford a real vacation? Could you sock something away for emergencies? Perhaps you’d be debt-free at last.

Figuring out the right steps to take to get where you want to go often requires some assistance. This guide can help you learn how to save money on everyday and monthly expenses. Plus, it includes tips on setting aside funds for the future.

Let’s get started.

Daily savings

Simple tweaks to your daily routine can yield small savings that add up over time. Check out the links below to find ways to save on everyday activities like grocery shopping, dining out and entertainment.

Automated savings: Find an app or bank account that takes the work out of saving. Digit and Qapital both automatically transfer small amounts from your checking account to a separate savings account. Bank of America does the same each time you swipe your card. Click here to learn about apps that automate savings for you.

Groceries: A little prep work before you go to the grocery store can go a long way to help you save money on groceries. Check your pantry and make a grocery list in advance, then use coupons and loyalty programs to maximize your savings as you shop.

Dining out: Your social life doesn’t have to suffer for you to save money. Eating out every day will deal a major blow to your bank account, but you can still dine out and stick to your budget. Opt for appetizers or split an entree with your dining companion to save money when you eat out.

Entertainment: Take advantage of free days at museums and national parks to save on entertainment costs. You can also ask about discounts for seniors, students, military members and other discounts when purchasing tickets for everything from movies to concerts and theme parks.

Monthly savings

Lowering recurring payments may require some legwork, but the potential savings make it worth the effort. You could save as much as $40 per month by changing your cable package or more than $50 per month by refinancing your car loan. Keep reading for more ways to save on monthly expenses.

Cable and internet: You could lower your cable bill by as much as $40 per month by changing your cable package. And you could save more than $1,000 over two years by bundling your cable and internet service, depending on your carrier. Click here to find more ways to save on internet service.

Cell phone bill: Changing your plan is one way to save money on your cell phone bill, but it’s not the only way. For starters, you may not need insurance. Removing it from your plan could save you nearly $100 per year, per line.

Car payment: Refinancing your auto loan to take advantage of lower interest rates could save you $1,000 or more over the life of your loan. But that’s just one option. Click this link to discover other ways to cut your car costs.

Long-term savings

Saving over the long term — to build an emergency fund, take your dream vacation or make a down payment on a new home — doesn’t just happen. It requires planning and discipline. Learn how to set goals, track spending and save on your biggest expenses.

Saving goals: Think about why you’re saving. Is a wedding on your horizon? Are you getting ready to buy your first home? Keep that picture in mind. It’ll help keep you motivated. Then set a specific but realistic goal. It may be “save $5,000” or “pay off my credit card debt faster.” It’s OK to start small. Little steps add up.

Track spending: Get a true picture of where your money goes today by keeping track of your monthly cash flow — your income minus your expenditures. This will also make it easier to mark progress toward your saving goal. Not sure how to get started? These five steps will help you track your monthly expenses.

Get serious about a budget

Ready to get started? We recommend the 50/30/20 budget for smart money management. Devote 50% of your income to necessities, 30% to wants and 20% to savings. If you find one of your allocations exceeds these percentages, make what adjustments you can to fit the formula.

As you put your spending plan into action, your efforts will bear fruit in your monthly budget. Remember to put your newfound funds in a savings account as you work toward your ultimate financial goal.

Additional resources

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